Argali

The argali is the largest species of wild sheep in the world, standing 120 cm (47 in) tall at the shoulder. Unfortunately, it is also endangered.

ANIMAL FACTS

The massive horns of the rams have led to these sheep being heavily hunted in some areas, but the major threat to their survival is actually loss of habitat to their domestic relatives. Herds are targeted by wolves and snow leopards, while newborn lambs are easy targets for eagles and other birds of prey. Mating occurs in the early winter, and ewes give birth the following spring. The name 'argali' is the native Mongolian word for these sheep.